Click here to open feedback window. Annex 2. Profiles of Tree Species: Africa 27 Aucoumea klaineana Okoumé Distribution Okoumé is restricted to west and central Gabon and a few small areas in Equatorial Guinea, Congo and Cameroon. In Cameroon Habitat It is found between sea level and 700 m in lowland broadleaf forests (White, 1996). Population Status and Trends In Gabon the species remains widespread and abundant, and is common in secondary forest; the population is more or less stable (Wilks in litt., 1992). Regeneration Oukomé trees flower only once in every 7 - 15 years (Anon, 1994). This light-demanding species is gregarious in secondary forests (N'Sosso in litt, 1995). It regenerates naturally where the recuperation period between logging cycles is sufficient (Wilks in litt, 1990). However, according to White, in litt. 1996, Okoumé is not regenerate regenerating. It is a light lover which only regenerates in old farms and unburnt savannas. Few tree below 30cm dbh are now seen (White, in litt.). Role of Species in its Ecosystem No information. Threats Repeated logging particularly in the Première zone (near coast) restricts regeneration, although it is considered by Wilks in litt., 1992, that the logging is probably sustainable in Gabon. In contrast experts at the Regional Workshop for the Conservation and Sustainable Management of Trees project considered that the restricted range of this species and the destruction of its ecosystem puts the future survival of this species in danger (African Regional Workshop, 1996). Utilisation Okoumé is considered an excellent timber for veneer and plywood and also produces good quality sawn timber. Trade This species is Gabon's most important commercial timber and contributes about 90% of annual production. At present international market forces regulate Okoumé logging in Gabon and state controls are considered ineffective (Wilks, in litt., 1990). France is the main importer of Okoumé. Italy, Japan and Israel are also important importers. This species is traditionally absent from UK markets.(WCMC, 1991). Disappointing oil revenues have resulted in the export of Okoumé timber to Western Europe and Japan becoming increasingly important to the Gabonese economy (Anon, 1994). Congo exported 53,188m³ of Okoumé logs and 23 665m³ of veneer in 1994 (ITTO, 1995). In 1987, Gabon exported 603,740m³ of A. klaineana from Owendo (IUCN, 1990). An unknown volume of logs was exported by Gabon for an average price of US$239.59/m³ (ITTO, 1995a). In addition Gabon exported 371m³ of Okoumé as sawnwood for an average price of US$287.77/m³, 2,106m³ of veneer at an average price of US$97.16/m³, and 10,225m³ of plywood at an average price of US$300.32/m³ (ITTO, 1995a). Total export of Okoumé from Gabon in 1994 was 1,327,957.181 m³ and in 1995 the total export was 1,573,702.100 m³ (DIAF, 1996). Conservation Status IUCN Category and Criteria: EN (A1c,d) (African Regional Workshop, 1996). The gene pool of Okoumé has been seriously deteriorated by decades of selective harvesting (Anon, 1992). Conservation Measures A. klaineana is considered a priority species for in situ conservation by FAO (1984). More than 29,000 ha have been planted with Okoumé in Gabon but reforestation does not compensate for felling in natural forests. Introduction of this species west of Kribi in Cameroon has been discontinued because of its poor form (African Regional Workshop, 1996). Minimum logging diameter in Gabon is 70 cm in forest reserves, although this restriction is not enforced (Wilks, in litt., 1990). A project "Biology of Okoumé", has been funded by ITTO and implemented by the government of Gabon, through the Ministère des Eaux et Fôrets. Scientific and technical support is provided by the Tropenbos Foundation. The aim of this project is to improve understanding of species specific characteristics of Okoumé, with the objective of realizing high yielding plantations that at least can keep track of the current logging rate. The establishment of such plantations will help reduce the pressure on Gabon's forest area and its biological diversity. (Anon, 1994). The first phase of the project ended in December 1995. References African Regional Workshop, 1996. Conservation and Sustainable Management of Trees project workshop held in Harare, Zimbabawe, July, 1996. Anon, 1992. News on other Tropenbos activities. Gabon. Tropenbos Newsletter 2. Anon, 1994. Biology of Okoumé: an ecophysiological reforestation project in Gabon. Tropenbos Newsletter 6:8-10 DIAF, 1996. Timber trade statistics for Gabon sent from the Direction des Inventaires et Aménagements des Forêts (DIAF) of the Ministere des Eaux et Forêts for 1994 and 1995 sent by Tom Hammond. FAO, 1984. Report of the Fifth Session of the FAO Panel of Experts on Forest Gene Resources Information No 14:32-49. ITTO, 1995(a). Elements for the annual review and assessment of the world tropical timber situation. Draft Document. IUCN, 1990. La Conservation des Ecosystèmes Forestiers du Gabon. IUCN, Tropical Forest Programme Series. pp. 200. N'Sosso, D., 1995. in litt. D. N'Sosso contributions to the Conservation and Sustainable Management of Trees White, L. 1996. in litt. to WCMC. Wilks, C., 1990. in litt. to Richard Luxmoore. Wilks, C., 1992. in litt. to Pete Atkinson. WCMC, 1991. Provision of Data on Rare and Threatened Tropical Timber Species. pp. 58. Vegetation types according to White (1983) 1. Guineo-Congolian rain forest Hygrophilous coastal evergreen Guineo-Congolian rain forest. Aucoumea klaineana is one of the most abundant species in this forest type especially in old secondary forest on well-drained sites.